Shooting Free Throws

Free throws in basketball are exactly that, free. No one is around to try and defend you or block your shot and you have just 15 feet between you and some easy points. However, some of the most dominant players in basketball history were notoriously bad free throw shooters, i.e. Shaquille O'Neal. Shaq actually has a problem that he may never be able to correct, his huge hands. Believe it or not, having hands that are too big can negatively effect your free throw attempts. But more than anything, his form at the line is poor and his confidence is completely shot when he steps up to the charity stripe.

One thing you must have while at the line is confidence. When you are confident your form is more perfect and your release is on spot. Also the power of positive thinking has a greater effect than you can even imagine. If the last thing you think about before you release the ball is a vision of the ball going into the net, more often than not you will see the end result imagined.

Another thing you need is good form. Most of the good shooters today have incredible form and can make shots form anywhere on the court. Do you remember Jason Williams from Duke University and the Chicago Bulls? Before ending his NBA career prematurely from an accident, he was one of the greatest shooters in the NCAA and NBA but he was an awful free throw shooter. The reason? When he stepped to the line he forgot his shooting form and tried to hard. His motion was rushed and he rarely used enough legs in his shot to make the proper motion. If you are a good to excellent shooter, keep the form you shoot with at the line with you.

Finally, you need to create a pattern. While at the line you need to get into your own rhythm. A lot of NBA players use this opportunity to be creative but it is more about having the same thing going on every time. If you create a routine you are comfortable with you will be so used to performing it, the shot itself and hopefully the make will follow consistently as well.